Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Students gain an understanding of the origins of ionising radiation, how radiation is detected and measured, and learn about the equipment used to measure radiation. The basic principles of radiotherapy methods and equipment are explored and an understanding of clinical beams, dosimetry, treatment planning, quality assurance and radiotherapy techniques are developed.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding of the origins of ionising radiation and its interaction with matter; (2) describe the principles of detection and accurate measurement of radiation; (3) understand the fundamental principles underlying basic radiation measurement instruments and describe how to use these instruments to measure radiation; (4) understand the principles underlying radiotherapy methods and radiotherapy equipment; (5) understand the characteristics of clinical beams and their measurement; (6) understand dosimetry measurements used in radiotherapy; (7) describe acceptance, commissioning, and quality assurance of equipment in radiotherapy; (8) understand basic treatment planning in radiotherapy; (9) understand the use of sealed and unsealed sources in radiotherapy, including the basic principles of brachytherapy; and (10) discuss a range of clinical applications and novel radiotherapy techniques and their advantages.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) tutorial preparation and participation; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the final examination component.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in in theand Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
- Advisable prior study
- PHYS5404 Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
- Contact hours
- 2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks.
- Texts
Johns, H. E. and Cunningham, J. R. The Physics of Radiology, 4th edn: Springfield 1984
Khan, F. The Physics of Radiation Therapy, 4th edn: Williams and Wilkins 2010
Khan, F. M. Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2007
Mayles, P., Nahum, A. and Rosenwald, J. C. Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics: Theory and Practice: Taylor & Francis 2007
Podgorsak, E. B. Radiation Oncology Physics: a Handbook for Teachers and Students: International Atomic Energy Agency 2005
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.